GUPTA DYNASTY

Gupta Dynasty was an ancient Indian empire which existed approximately from 320 to 550 AD and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent. Founded by Maharaja Sri-Gupta, the dynasty was the model of a classical civilization. The peace and prosperity created under leadership of Guptas enabled the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavors. This period is called the Golden age of India and was marked by extensive inventions and discoveries in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion and philosophy that crystallized the elements of what is generally known as Hindu culture. Chandra Gupta I, Samudra Gupta the Great, and Chandra Gupta II the Great were the most notable rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The 4th century Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, credits Guptas with having conquered about twenty one kingdoms, both in and outside India, including the kingdoms of Parasikas (Persians), the Hunas, the Kambojas tribes located in the west and east Oxus valleys, the Kinnaras, Kiratas etc. The high points of this cultural creativity are magnificent architecture, sculptures and paintings. The Gupta period produced scholars such as Kalidasa, Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Vishnu Sharma and Vatsyayana who made great advancements in many academic fields. Science and political administration reached new heights during the Gupta era. Strong trade ties also made the region an important cultural center and set the region up as a base that would influence nearby kingdoms and regions in Burma, Sri Lanka, Malay Archipelago and Indochina. The earliest available Indian epics are also thought to have been written around this period. The empire gradually declined because of many factors like the substantial loss of territory and imperial authority caused by their own erstwhile feudatories and the invasion by the Huna peoples from Central Asia. After the collapse of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century, India was again ruled by numerous regional kingdoms. A minor line of the Gupta clan continued to rule Magadha after the disintegration of the empire. These Guptas were ultimately ousted by Vardhana ruler Harsha Vardhana, who established an empire in the first half of the 7th century. The Gupta dynasty was founded in the south-east Bihar by Srigupta in c.260 A.D. His kingdom was a very small one, and he is never given any thing higher than a feudal title in the official records of his more distinguished successors. Srigupta ruled from c.260 to 280 A.D. and was too insignificant a ruler to issue any coinage. His son and successor, Ghatotkacha, did not succeed in attaining to the imperial status and did not issue any coinage. The solitary gold coin, bearing the legend Ghato, was issued by a later prince of the dynasty. The reign of Ghatotkacha may be placed from c.280 to 300 A.D. Ghatotkachas son and successor, Chandragupta I, was the real founder of the

greatness of his house. His matrimonial alliance of the Lichchhavis, a princess of whose family named Kumaradevi was his crowned queen, helped his rise to the imperial position. The Gupta and the Lichchhavi kingdoms were amalgamated as a consequence of this union and a compact block of Mithila and Bihar was thus formed. With his resources thus increased, Chandragupta extended his sphere of influence soon annexed Oudh and that portion of the Gangetic valley which extended from Buxar to Allahabad. When the kingdom was thus expanded to more than double its size, Chandragupta decided to assume the imperial title Maharajadhiraja, at a formal coronation celebrated sometime in c.320 A.D., when he seems to have startled the Gupta era as well as the Gupta coinage. After nominating his son Samudragupta, born of the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi, as his successor, Chandragupta died in c.330 A.D. The matrimonial alliance with the Lichchhavis was the most dominating political event of the reign of Chandragupta I, and it profoundly affected his coinage. He is seen to be issuing coins only in one type, where the place of honor on the obverse is shared both by his and his queen Kumaradevi; the reverse however exclusively mentions the name of the Lichchhavis. Chandragupta I is the earliest Hindu ruler, whose inscribed gold coins have come down to us. Samudragupta was no doubt nominated as his successor by Chandragupta I, but indications are not wanting to show that there might have been a war of succession after his death. A king name Kacha flourished at about this time and may have been the cause of this war. His precise position is not possible to determine Samudragupta was able to overcome all the troubles that arose at his succession and soon re-established his own position and then proceeded to expand the extent of his empire. Samudragupta was a great organizer and an ambitious conqueror. He overthrew a number of petty rulers and annexed to his empire northern U.P., the south-eastern Punjab and the territory from Delhi to Saugar; the Bindhya Pradesh and south Kosala were brought within the sphere of the imperial influence. After consolidating his position in the north, Samudragupta launched upon a spectacular expedition to South India, during the course of which his armies swept across the eastern coast right up to Kanchi or Conjeeverum, 20 miles south of Madras. About a dozen petty kings ruling the region formally acknowledged the suzerainty of the conqueror, and he was content to return home laden with the tributes paid by them; annexation of the conquered territory was not attempted. The view of Samudragupta returned from the south via western India through Maharashtra is now shown to be wrong; the kings of Devarashtra and Erandapalla, who submitted to him, are now shown to be ruling in Kalinga on the eastern coast and not in Maharashtra in western India. The Vakatakas were ruling over Central Province (Madhya Pradesh) and part of Maharashtra and Samudragupta did not cross sword with them. Samudragupta had a long reign extending over more than 40 years; it may be presumed to have ended in c.370 A.D. During this period, the imperial coinage recoreded considerable progress in types, varieties and artistic excellence. Like his father, Samudragupta didnt issue any coins in copper and silver, but his gold coins, which were issued in large quantity, show six different types. According to one view Samudragupta was succeeded by his eldest son Ramagupta, who after a short reign, had to give place to his younger brother, Chandragupta II, who rescued the empire from a great calamity created by a successful Kushana

invasion. This view is however rejected by other scholars, who are not prepared to accept the historicity of Ramagupta, as it is not supported by any epigraphical and numismatic evidence. The first school, however, points out the Ramaguptas name was omitted from the official genealogy either because he was collateral or because his reign was a blot upon the fair name of the family. Recently some copper coins have been found in Malwa, which clearly bear the name of Ramagupta. It is not unlikely that he may be identical with the eldest son of Samudragupta. The whole position about Kacha and Ramagupta is still very obscure. Chandragupta's accession may be placed in c.375 A.D. He had a long reign extending down to a little beyond c.412 A.D. He had to face a sea of troubles at the beginning of his rule. There were rebellions in Bengal and the Kushanas had to be driven out. He rose equal to the occasion. Bengal was pacified and then imperial armies pushed back the Kushanas right up to the banks of the Indus. The Western Punjab, however, was not annexed to the Gupta empire, but Kushana and Saka chiefs were allowed to rule there as Gupta feudatories. Sometimes after c.390 A.D. Chandragupta II launched a powerful offensive against the Saka Kshatrapas of Malwa, Gujarat, and Kathiawar. The campaign was very remarkably successful and the Sakas, who were ruling over this territory for more than 300 years, were completely and for ever wiped out from the political map of India. The rich provinces of Malwa, Gujarat, and Kathiawar were annexed to the Gupta empire and they opened a new avenue for direct maritime trade with the West. Prabhavatigupta, a daughter of Chandragupta II, was married to Vakataka king Rudrasena II. She was unfortunately widowed early in life, and when her husband died, she had two minor sons. Chandragupta helped his daughter in running the Vakataka administration as the regent for the heir-apparent by sending a number of experienced officers to conduct the administration. During the long reign of Chandragupta II the imperial coinage recorded considerable progress. Both copper and silver currencies were introduced, the latter being a close copy of the Kshatrapa prototype. The issue was probably intended for the new western provices of the empire, which were accustomed to the currency in silver only. Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumaragupta I. There is an interval of three years between the earliest date of the new empereor and the latest date of his predecessor and some scholars have argued that Govindragupta, a brother of Kumaragupta, had usurped the throne during this interval. This theory, however, is supported by very slender datum and there is no epigraphical evidence to support it. Even if we suppose that Govindragupta did rule during part of this interval of three years, he has left us no coinage either in gold nor in silver or in copper. Kumaragupta I had a long reign of about 40 years, but very few political events connected with this are known. He attempted no new conquests, and his Asvamedha sacrifice was intending more to emphasize his imperial position than to celebrate any fresh annexations. The discovery of a hoard of his silver coins in Satara district need not show that central and southern Maharashtra was added to his empire. The hoard

may have been savings of a Maharashtrian merchant trading in Gujarat, or may have been constituted the honorarium of a learned Brahmana, who may have been invited to Gujarat for the performance of Vedic sacrifices. Kumaraguptas reign was on the whole peaceful down to c.450 A.D. The tranquility and prosperity of his empire is reflected in his coinage, which is noteworthy for its remarkable originality, artistic merit and the poetic excellence of its legends. He issued as may as fourteen types of gold coins and some of them like the Horseman, the Kartikeya, the Rhinoceros-slayer and the Elephant-rider-Lion-slayer types, will rank among the best specimens of the numismatic art of ancient India. Kumaragupta introduced silver currency also for the home provinces of the empire, and the type that was devised for this new currency was altogether free from the Kshatrapa influence. Silver currency is much more copious than that of any other Gupta emperor. He, however, paid no attention to copper currency and very few coins of his in the common mans metal have come down to us. Towards the end of his reign the peace of the empire was considerable disturbed. His nephew, the Vakataka ruler of Narendrasena, was attacked by the Nalas, but Kumaragupta could send him no military aid. Nearer home, a tribe name the Pushyamitra rebelled against the Gupta overloadship in the upper Narmada valley. The situation for a while became quite threatening and it could be saved only by the crown-prince Skandagupta assuming the command. They Pushyamitras were subdued, but their conqueror had not the satisfaction of reporting his victory personally to his father. The old emperor had died, while the imperial armies were still engaged in overcoming the rebels. The struggle with the Pushyamitras put a heavy strain upon the resources of the empire. It must however be said to the credit of Kumaraguptas administration that it did not debase its gold currency. It was however compelled to issue silver-plated coins both in the home provinces as well as in Western India. Kumaragupta was succeeded by his son Skandagupta. There is some evidence to suggest that Skandaguptas succession may have been disputed by his brother (or half-brother) Purugupta. On the whole, however, it appears more probable that Purugupta succeeded Skandagupta after his death and didnt oppose his accession. Skandagupta had suppressed the rebellion of the Pushyamitras before his accession, but fresh troubles soon cropped up. There was a serious invasion of the empire by the Hunas from the north-west. The imperial armies were again hard pressed in meeting the new menace; one record describes how the earth was shaken to its very foundations, when the opposing armies met in a deadly conflict. Skandagupta was able to drive back the invasion, but most probably the Eastern Punjab couldnt be recovered. Peace and order was however maintained in the rest of the empire during the reign of Skandagutpa. The emperor was probably too much occupied in military affairs to pay much personal attention to his coinage. We do find a new interesting type issued by him, the Kind-and-the-Lakshmi type, probably representing that goddess as offering him the crown. But otherwise he mostly confined himself to the Archer type. Only one solitary coin of his in the Chhatra type has come to light, and a coin in the Horseman type is possible to be attributed to him, though not with absolute

certainty. Skandaguptas silver coinage is almost as copious as that of his father, and we find him introducing two new types, the Bull type and the Altar type. 467 A.D. is the last known date of Skandagupta and his death may be presumed to have taken place in that year or the year succeeding. His successor was most probably his brother Purugupta, who died after a very short reign of a year or two. It is not impossible that the gold coins bearing the biruda of Prakasaditya may have been issued by him. VARIOUS COINS DURING GUPTA DYNASTY

Coin During Chandragupta-I OBVERSE: This coin shows the king standing to left, wearing a coat and beaded trousers, with large loop earrings and necklace, holding royal sceptre in left hand, offering oblations with right hand on altar. Chandra under kings left arm. Legend - Vasudha vijitya jayata tradava prithavasvarah - "Having conquered the globe, the lord of the earth now wins heaven by meritorius deed". REVERSE: Goddess seated on throne, facing, holding round flower garland in right hand, cornucopiae in left hand with hand on thigh.

Coin During Chandragupta-I Obverse: Nimbate King holding standard facing left, sprinkling incense over altar with right hand. King's head shows a conical hat holding a standard with his left hand. Chandra under kings left arm. Legend: Paramabhaghavato Chandragupta Sri Chandragupta The Prime devotee Sri

Reverse: King and Queen seated on Couch. King offering either a Ring (side view of ring) or a sindhurdhani to Queen.

Coin During Samudra Gupta Obverse: Samara-sata-vitata- viajyo jita-ripurajito-divam jayati 'The invincible (king) who had won victories on a hundred battlefields and conquered the enemies, wins the heaven'. Reverse: Parakramah

Coin During Samudra Gupta Obverse: Dagger at waist AND Legend starts on the left at VII O'clock. gm.

7.37

Legend: starting at VII - samarasatavitatavijayo........ puraji... King standing left, holding a royal Sceptre and sprinkling incense over an altar, Samudra under Kings left hand, Garuda topped standard. Reverse: Legend off flan, goddess Lakshmi seated facing on throne, holding cornucopiae and diedem.

Coins During Ramagupta: Ramagupta was either the brother or the elder son of Samudragupta, who attempted to take over as king at the end of the reign of Samudragupta but was outsmarted by Chandragupta II. While no gold coins have ever been found of Ramagupta, from time to time, some copper coins have come to light. The largest

hoard of Ramagupta coins to date was found in Madhya Pradesh and it consisted of 24 copper coins. This group included twenty one coins of the lion type, three coins of the Garuda type and a lone coin of the Asvamedha type. The weights range from 0.5 g to 1.8 g. The variation in the weights is no doubt due to the deterioration of the coins from oxidation over time

Coins during Kachagupta: Observe: King Kacha shown Nimbate, standing left, sacrificing at altar with right hand and holding chakradhvaja in left hand. This rare variety has a Garuda Sceptre to Kings Right on the Obverse in addition to the Chakradhavaja (wheel topped) Sceptre on the left. Reverse: Shows the Queen holding a flower in her right hand. There is only one other coin known to exist (from the Bayana Hoard) that shows a Garuda Standard (Sceptre) on the obverse, however the Queen is holding a fillet or ribbons in her right hand

Coin During Chandragupta-II Obverse: The nimbate king is standing to left holding a bow in his left hand and arrow in his right. The king has a big head with curls falling on left shoulder. He wears a beaded necklace around the neck with big beads. His coat has folded half sleeves, and the king wears armlets and bracelets on both arms. The coat tails are visible. Garuda standard garudadhvaja, visible in the left field. The Garuda bird has a round body flanked by thick, spread wings (the left partly hidden by the king's halo). In the head the left eye and round earstuds are still visible, as is the bird's dot-like crest. Chandra in blurred letters under the left arm between string and body partly off flan. Reverse: Goddess, seated facing on lotus. She has a beaded halo, curls, wears big earrings, beaded necklace visible, armlets bracelets on both arms. Sri-Lakshmi sits in a wide V posture, holding a fillet in her outstretched right hand, the left hand bent upwards holding a lotus flower. `kra' of ` Sri-vikrama' visible near the left forearm

Coins during Kumaragupta-I Observe: King holding bow with Kumara under Kings arm Reverse: Goddess seated on lotus with leg hanging down and left leg folded.

Coins during Skandhagupta: Obverse: legend is possibly Jayati mahitalam (Skandaguptah) sudhanvi - 'The excellent archer Skandagupta conquers the earth'. Weight is approx 8.5gms. No long flowing sash or hunter or whip at kings waist. Reverse: legend Sri Skandagupta

Coins during Purugupta: Observe: King facing left, holding arrow in right hand, bow in left hand. Sword hanging off Kings waist. Garuda Standard on left. Reverse: Goddess seated on lotus. Holds a fillet/Ribbons in right hand and a flower in left hand. Legend

Coin during Chandragupta-III: Observe: Gold Dinar, 8.1gm, Archer type, Chandra below arm of standing king to left, legend around, bow in left hand, right hand holding arrow, garuda standard in field left. Reverse: Sri Vikrama, goddess Sri-Lakshmi seated on lotus holding long-stemmed lotus flower The additional symbol on this coin is a Sun type symbol in front of the king's face. It is made up of a dot within circle encircled by eight dots.

Coins during Samudragupta-II: Observe: Nimbate king standing left, resting left hand on top of bow, his right hand holding an arrow, garuda standard in field left. Legend: Parahitakari..... Sri Parakramaditya Parakramaditya..... benefactor to others " "The all powerful King 'Sri

Reverse: Parakramah in field right, nimbate goddess Lakshmi seated facing crosslegged on lotus holding long stemmed flower and riband, tamga in field left.

Coins during Prakashaditya: Obverse shows the King riding a caprisoned horse to the right, bow strung across his shoulder and he is shown bending down and attacking the lion with his sword. Lion is shown on the left rearing up at the King and horse. Outstretched wings of the Garuda bird on standard are seen on the top left edge of the coin. Obverse Legend has not been completely read, it ends with ....vijitya vasudham divam jayati

Reverse: Curde representation of lakshmi sitting on lotus holding a lotus flower. Legend: Sri Prakasaditya

Coins during Narasimha Baladitya Gupta: Observe: King holding bow in left hand, arrow in right hand. King wears a dhoti and a Pearl necklace. Garuda Standard on left. Na ra under King's left arm. Reverse: Goddess seated on Lotus, holding flower in right hand and fillet of ribbons in left hand. Legend: Valaditya (Baladitya)

Coins during Kumaragupta II: Obverse: King facing left, no symbol between Kings legs, Legend mostly off the flan, Ku under Kings left arm, holding bow - bowstring facing in. Crescent over Ku. Hunter (whip) hanging off kings waist. 9.3gms. Reverse: Lakshmi seated on Lotus, holding lotus flower in left hand.

Legend: Kramajita

Coins during Budhhagupta Observe: shows the King holding the bow at the top, the letter's Buddha under the kings left arm. Circular legend has not yet been identified. Reverse: shows the Goddess Lakshmi holding lotus flower, seated on a lotus. SriVikrama biruda on the reverse

Coins during Vishnugupta: These coins show the King standing with Bow, Vishnu under left arm, ru between the legs and Sri-Chandraditya on reverse

Coins during Jayagupta: Observe: Ja Ya below arm of king, standing to left, bow slung in crook of left hand and arrow in right hand. A lathe turned standard on left of king topped with a wheel (Chakra). gu(ptah) between kings legs. Struck on a wide flan. King adorned with earrings and necklace. Reverse: Lakshmi seated on lotus, right hand open dropping coins, left hand at waist. Bangles and Armbands on both hands, with earrings and necklace. Elephant in top left quadrant spraying her with water. Legend: Sri Prakandayasayah

Coins during Samachargupta: Obverse: Sama below arm of standing king to left, legend around, bow in left hand, right hand holding arrow, bull standard in field left. Reverse: Sri Narendravinita, goddess Sri-Lakshmi seated on lotus holding long-

stemmed lotus flower and noose